The 10 Best Breakfasts & Brunches in the Black Hills

It's what mom has always said: breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But it's sometimes overlooked that breakfast can also be the most delicious meal of the day. We're sharing insight on 10 of our favorite area breakfasts & brunches that are sure to blow your mind (and your taste buds), and energize you for a day full of adventures in the Black Hills.

Don't just take our word for it—even cooking guru Rachael Ray has endorsed this cozy establishment for their acclaimed breakfast burrito. It's filled with eggs, sausage, hash browns, salsa, and cheese, all wrapped in a flour tortilla and smothered with their homemade chile sauce that's "fresh and hot, but not ferociously so." Beyond the burrito, they pride themselves on their homemade breads and buns, and offer a traditional breakfast menu consisting of pancakes, sandwiches, and omelettes, complemented by freshly-made caramel and cinnamon rolls, donuts, and pastries. They'll re-open for the 2016 season on or before April 1.

It's no surprise that the folks at Belle Joli' Winery and Sparkling House know all things wine and champagne, but most people don't know that they've mastered Sunday brunch too! Currently offered on the first and third Sundays of the month from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (it will switch to every Sunday starting in May), they offer a delightful brunch that pairs perfectly with your choice of two hand-crafted mimosas, made with their luscious sparkling wine. You can choose between their staple item, Classic Eggs Benedict, or their revolving option which has previously included fluffy cinnamon raisin French Toast and quiche, served with savory andouille sausage and fresh fruit. Brunch is served at their Sparkling House, located on Vanocker Canyon Road near Sturgis.

Carver's Cafe, Mt. Rushmore National Memorial

Carver's Cafe at Mt. Rushmore National Memorial, KeystoneA Monumental Breakfast with the Presidents

Seeing the presidents on Mount Rushmore is one thing, but dining with them is on a whole different level. At Carver’s Café, savor the flavors of a hearty breakfast—scrambled eggs, home-style breakfast potatoes, bacon, sausage, biscuits and gravy—all with a commanding view of the presidential sculptures. Whether you're seeking something as simple as an espresso and a freshly baked cinnamon bun, or a full course meal, you'll enjoy your selection in full view of the memorial.

If you're lucky enough to spend the morning amidst the beauty of Spearfish Canyon, escalate your experience by indulging in breakfast at Cheyenne Crossing. This quaint restaurant is famous for many of its dishes spanning their breakfast, lunch and dinner menu. Their homemade sourdough pancakes are a must! Thin, light and delicious. For a hearty dish, opt for Wild Bill's Skillet—a tremendous blend of homestyle potatoes, green peppers, mushrooms, onions, and your choice of crumbled bacon, sausage or diced ham, topped with two eggs and cheddar cheese.

If you ask a local, the name "Colonial House" is synonymous with "breakfast." Best known for their mouthwatering caramel rolls, they also offer a full menu of delicious breakfast items. Choose from signature dishes like Eggs Benedict, French Toast or a Bagel Sandwich, savor a Log Cabin skillet, or enjoy traditional breakfast fare like eggs, pancakes, bacon, muffins, cereal, and of course, a caramel roll. When deciding where to enjoy breakfast in Rapid City, the Colonial House is a dependable, family-friendly choice.

Their slogan is "Legendary Dining in a Legendary Place"—and based on endless customer reviews, it's true! As a newcomer to the Deadwood dining scene, they've quickly made a name for themselves as the area's premier steakhouse. But you may be surprised to know that they've become a go-to for delicious (hangover) breakfast too. Accompanied by their prompt and friendly service, they offer a variety of menu options including eggs, hash browns, omelettes, pancakes, waffles, and biscuits & gravy. Their Steak & Potato Benedict (a potato cake topped with filet of beef, a poached egg, ancho Hollandaise sauce and fried jalapeños) is consistently receiving rave reviews, as is their Rumchata French Toast (thick cut French bread topped with Rumchata maple syrup and Mascarpone cheese) and Red Velvet Waffles (made using red velvet batter and topped with cream cheese, whipped cream and chocolate chips).

Minervas has built their breakfast menu on the classics: eggs, pancakes, French toast, crepes, Eggs Benedict, corned beef hash, rolls, muffins, an array of omelettes, and steel cut oats. On top of their already delicious offerings, they feature a hot brunch buffet with an omelette station every Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. They offer an endless variety of breakfast items alongside stellar customer service. With so much to choose from, it's impossible to leave hungry!

Hands down, this is as unique as it gets. What makes it so special is the setting. In this renovated gas station and repair shop, half of the space is now dedicated to Toni Gerlach's glass blowing studio, and the other half is the Pump House Deli & Coffeeshop. The Pump House at Mind Blown Studio offers simple breakfast staples including breakfast burritos, sandwiches, pastries, oatmeal, and yogurt parfaits. Usually between 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (except Sundays and Wednesdays) you can enjoy your coffee (arguably the best coffee in the Black Hills) and menu items with a live glass blowing demonstration.

Located in the heart of downtown Rapid City, Tally's Silver Spoon is adored by locals and visitors alike. They pride themselves on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as vegetables and meats including beef, pork, and buffalo. They offer traditional breakfast items (they've been serving the same pancake recipe for the last 50 years!), as well as more creative, seasonally composed breakfast dishes. The "Duck Duck Goose" —duck confit, arugula, sweet potatoes, foie gras, a sunny egg, gooseberries, and toast—is one of their most popular breakfast items. Their Whole Wheat Oatmeal Waffle, topped with fresh fruit, vanilla yogurt and basil, is one of my personal favorites. Tally's is open daily, serving breakfast from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Catering to both traditional and informal dining preferences, Oggie's Sports Bar & Emporium is another one of the Northern Hills' best kept secrets when it comes to breakfast. Their menu is built on the classics, including Eggs Benedict, pancakes, French Toast, and humongous breakfast burritos. Whether you're staying at the hotel or not, this is a great option for fueling up before a busy day in Deadwood!

About the Author

Alicia is a South Dakota native with family roots in Beresford. She attended Augustana University in Sioux Falls—a year of which she spent studying in Norway and traveling throughout Europe. She acquired her degree in Sociology and International Studies. Despite her love of travel, she and her husband have thoroughly enjoyed making Rapid City their home. She satisfies her wanderlust by soaking up the beautiful scenery and historic treasures that the Hills have to offer.